The writing workshop at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana, was a memorable and enriching experience that brought together ReRe fellows, UCC staff members, and postgraduate students in a shared learning environment. From the outset, the organisers encouraged ReRe fellows to sit among UCC postgraduate students rather than as a separate group. This thoughtful arrangement fostered interaction, networking, and the exchange of ideas among participants from diverse academic backgrounds. As participants settled into the venue, UCC staff members sat around the tables with their laptops open and ready for the workshop. The room quickly filled with anticipation and enthusiasm. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, particularly when Dr. Saibu officially welcomed the ReRe fellows. His remarks set a positive tone for the workshop and highlighted its importance as a platform for learning, collaboration, and academic growth.

No sooner had the formal sessions began than one of the UCC staff members suggested that everyone introduce themselves. This spontaneous activity reflected the cultural values of hospitality and mutual respect that characterise both social and academic interactions in Ghana. The introductions helped participants become more comfortable with one another and created a friendly environment for discussion and learning. The four facilitators then guided participants through the fundamentals of academic writing for publication. Their presentations focused on the key components of a publishable journal article, including how to structure a manuscript, develop a clear argument, present findings effectively, and communicate the significance of research contributions. The sessions were practical, interactive, and highly informative, providing participants with valuable insights into the publication process. The venue remained full throughout the workshop, reflecting the strong interest among participants. I observed many postgraduate students taking detailed notes and photographing slides they considered particularly useful. At one point, I politely informed some of them that the slides would be shared afterwards and encouraged them to focus on listening and engaging with the presentations. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn were evident throughout the day. The level of participation was impressive. Participants actively engaged with the facilitators, raising numerous questions about publishing in reputable journals, responding to reviewers’ comments, and navigating the challenges of academic publishing. Participants were cautioned against publishing in outlets that lack rigorous peer review and academic credibility. The facilitators emphasized the importance of carefully selecting journals, understanding publication standards, and prioritizing quality. The workshop concluded with a group photograph that brought together all participants present at the venue.

Reflecting on the experience, I left the workshop with a deeper appreciation of academic writing and the importance of publishing in reputable journals. Beyond the technical knowledge gained, the workshop fostered a strong sense of academic community and reminded me that scholarly growth is strengthened through collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. Among the many valuable lessons I learned, one that particularly resonated with me was the question: What kind of writer are you? This prompted me to reflect on my writing habits, strengths, challenges, and aspirations as a scholar. It reminded me that academic writing is not only about producing publications but also about developing a writing identity that supports long-term scholarly growth.